Chronic Wound Telemedicine Models Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review

Abstract

To present the results of a scoping review exploring chronic wound care telemedicine before and during the pandemic, including the characteristics of the models implemented. TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES: After participating in this educational activity, the participant will: 1. Identify the characteristics of the studies the authors examined for their scoping review of chronic wound care telemedicine. 2. Choose the electronic methods commonly used for wound care telemedicine in the studies the authors examined. 3. Recognize the implications for the patients who participated in chronic wound care telemedicine in the studies the authors examined.

Capturing Essentials in Wound Photography Past, Present, and Future: A Proposed Algorithm for Standardization

“…13 Many wound care systems adopted photography, secure cloud storage, digital planimetry, and even three-dimensional (3D) technologies into their software, further increasing the accuracy of these assessments. 14,15…”

“…Although the criterion standard of wound evaluation remains thorough physical examination, telemedicine wound care visits can assist providers and patients reduce costs and increase availability by eliminating the need for transportation for frequent office visits, which is particularly useful in rural settings and for patients with limited mobility 13 . Many wound care systems adopted photography, secure cloud storage, digital planimetry, and even three-dimensional (3D) technologies into their software, further increasing the accuracy of these assessments 14,15 …”

Capturing essentials in wound photography past, present, and future

“…Although the criterion standard of wound evaluation remains thorough physical examination, telemedicine wound care visits can help providers and patients reduce costs and increase availability by eliminating the need for transportation for frequent office visits, which is particularly useful in rural settings and for patients with limited mobility 13. Many wound care systems adopted photography, secure cloud storage, digital planimetry, and even three-dimensional (3D) technologies into their software, further increasing the accuracy of these assessments 14,15…”

“…13 Many wound care systems adopted photography, secure cloud storage, digital planimetry, and even threedimensional (3D) technologies into their software, further increasing the accuracy of these assessments. 14,15…”

Covid-19 and Virtual Geriatric Care

“…Virtual care has also shown to be beneficial and cost-effective in end of life and palliative care, especially if used as to supplement face-to-face care for symptom control, emotional support, patient participation in hospice team meetings and medication titration ( 7 ). Chronic wound telemedicine care has been existent well before Covid-19 pandemic which incorporates image assessment followed by video consultation and/or text and telephone consultation and can be in the form of blended or purely virtual care ( 5 ). Tele-dentistry is becoming increasingly popular in certain countries especially for nursing home and assistant living residents and can also serve as a teletriage to assess who will benefit from timely dental care ( 37 , 38 ).…”